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Fort Hays State University vs Ottawa University-Ottawa

Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, KS, and Ottawa University-Ottawa is a private university in Ottawa, KS. Ottawa University-Ottawa is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% of applicants against 90% at Fort Hays State University. Fort Hays State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,569 a year against $27,963 at Ottawa University-Ottawa. About 48% of students graduate at Fort Hays State University, compared with 28% at Ottawa University-Ottawa. Ten years after enrolling, Ottawa University-Ottawa alumni earn a median of about $55,552, against $48,928 for Fort Hays State University.

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public

Ottawa University-Ottawa

Ottawa, KS · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Hays, KS
Ottawa, KS
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,733
870
Acceptance rate
90%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1140
750–1000
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
16–22
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,569
$27,963
Full cost / yr
$19,909
$51,856
In-state tuition
$5,923
$35,880
Out-of-state tuition
$17,741
$35,880
Application fee
$30
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,661
$22,449
$30k - $48k
$9,776
$22,912
$48k - $75k
$11,941
$25,525
$75k - $110k
$14,266
$30,199
Over $110k
$16,641
$30,771
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
28%
Freshman retention
77%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,428
$49,139
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,928
$55,552
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
37%
First-generation students
39%
40%
International students
0%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Hays State University or Ottawa University-Ottawa harder to get into?
Ottawa University-Ottawa is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 90% at Fort Hays State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Fort Hays State University or Ottawa University-Ottawa?
Fort Hays State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,569 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,963 at Ottawa University-Ottawa. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Fort Hays State University and Ottawa University-Ottawa?
Before aid, Fort Hays State University costs about $19,909 a year and Ottawa University-Ottawa about $51,856. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Fort Hays State University or Ottawa University-Ottawa?
Fort Hays State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,661 there, against about $22,449 at Ottawa University-Ottawa. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fort Hays State University or Ottawa University-Ottawa?
Fort Hays State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,733 undergraduates against 870 at Ottawa University-Ottawa.
Does Fort Hays State University or Ottawa University-Ottawa have a better graduation rate?
Fort Hays State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 28% at Ottawa University-Ottawa.
Do graduates of Fort Hays State University or Ottawa University-Ottawa earn more?
Ottawa University-Ottawa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,552 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,928 for Fort Hays State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fort Hays State University and Ottawa University-Ottawa require SAT or ACT scores?
Fort Hays State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Ottawa University-Ottawa considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Fort Hays State University and Ottawa University-Ottawa look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1140 at Fort Hays State University and 750–1000 at Ottawa University-Ottawa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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